Ferrari California T previewed – RM889k before tax

Just three months after making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari California T has made its local debut at the Naza Italia showroom in Petaling Jaya. The revised 2+2 convertible grand tourer gets more power and a load more torque to go with its newly-spiffened looks.

A larger front grille, 458-style headlights, twin bonnet vents, reprofiled fender vents, cleaner tail light design, triple-fence diffuser and a more conventional horizontal quad tailpipe arrangement transforms the slightly awkward retro-inspired original. The interior has also been thoroughly redesigned, with a Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) display between the two middle air vents a sign of things to come.

That display is there because the California T features the first turbocharged engine fitted to a Ferrari since the hallowed F40 came out 27 years ago. While the direct-injected flat-plane V8 is smaller than before – 3.9 litres versus 4.3 – power has actually risen by 69 hp to 552 hp at 7,500 rpm. But it’s the torque output that has received the biggest gain, jumping a whopping 250 Nm to 755 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

These improvements have been realised thanks to a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers with Variable Boost Management software that adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected. The previous model’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been retained.

0-100 km/h is done in just 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is an impressive 316 km/h. Yet the California T also consumes 15% less fuel, while carbon dioxide emissions is down to 250 grams per kilometre.

Bringing all this power in control is a new steering box that improves response and reduces steering wheel activity, as well as a new suspension set-up comprising of revised springs, over 50% faster Magnaride dampers and body motion accelerometers. All these upgrades combine to reduce roll and pitch, delivering more precise handling.

Rounding out the improvements are the latest version of the F1-Trac traction control system and CCM3 carbon ceramic brakes with new composite discs and pads that stop the car from 100 km/h in just 34 metres.

As for the price, well, you know what the say about asking, but if you really must know, it’s RM888,800 excluding duty and options. As with all new Ferraris bought through official channels, the California T comes with a seven-year scheduled maintenance programme at standard service intervals (every 20,000 km, or once a year with unlimited mileage).

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

He knows, Last year he was on the way to deliver your brand new 458……until the Malaysian Government stop him, saying that he needs to pay Import tax, Excise Duty, Sales duty, Government Sales Tax, Income Tax, Border Tax, Port charging fee, Ministers-new-Bentley-insatalment-duty, Minister-child’s-foreign-education-and-expenses-tax…..

Naza would have gone bust long ago if not for the free APs. We are all subsidizing Naza and their group of companies because every AP issued, every taxpayer suffers. We pay more in taxes when we buy cars because real car companies like Honda, Toyota, Mercedes and BMW cannot get enough APs to benefit from economies of scale and bring down prices.

All the AP boys, ALL the Pekema freeloaders are living off 30 million Malaysians. Just 20 or 30 pariah members freeloading of 30 million Malaysians.

30 million Malaysians suffer to make these 30 PEKEMA members even richer. Naza is the biggest crook. They get thousands of free AP. Assuming each AP is worth at least RM50,000, we Malaysians are literally giving billions free to Naza just to enjoy life, go on business class holidays, buy London apartments, keep mistresses here and there and eat luxurious food on a daily basis.

We don’t mind paying crazy tax for car, we welcome GST which is better and fair to everyone , but the money collected go into some one s pocket and channel oversea ,instead of developing our lovely country.

Yes, all these supercar is meant for the rich and fabulous. Even in overseas unless u are celebrities, soccer player or business owner(huge business with huge turnover). Otherwise, we all ordinary citizen only can dream on of having to own this car.

One wonders how much a LaFerrari will cost here. Anyways, is that pink luggage in the space we usually call the “boot”? Hehe.

I’ve never been a fan of the California anyways. Its ok, but nothing really special when compared to the 458 and F12. If I wanted a convertible, I’d rather get a 911 cabriolet. The Boxster is fine too (and just gorgeous), but it doesnt quite have the performance credentials.

With our corrupt minister thick wallet. Even limited edition they also can grab it back. Like BMW 1M, there was supposed to have on 3 in Malaysia. guess what, I have seen more than 5. All with different num plates.

Luca mentioned making ferraris more exclusive
( expensive)
I imagine the next california will be smaller, lighter, built from exotic materials, faster, high tech, 2 seater soft top, and drop dead gorgeous looks deserving of the california name cuz honestly, this car with the top down, is a minger with its hunchback rear end, its better looking than prefacelift model, but that isnt saying much

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